Order of the University of Calgary recipient announced for fall 2026 convocation

University of Calgary Chancellor John Osler and President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the Order of the University of Calgary recipient for the fall 2026 convocation ceremonies.

Established in 1994, the award recognizes current and former members of the UCalgary community who have demonstrated a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and volunteers. Recipients are recognized for their contributions in ways that bring honour to UCalgary.

To read the recipient’s full bio and learn more, visit the convocation website.

Dr. Jeffrey Church, BA'84, PhD

Presentation – Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m. ceremony

Church is Professor Emeritus of Economics at UCalgary and a dedicated educator whose association with the university spans nearly his entire life. He completed his undergraduate honours degree in the Department of Economics and returned home to UCalgary after graduate school, serving as a faculty member who has made enduring contributions to the university’s students, programs and academic community.

For decades, Church helped shape the university's undergraduate experience in economics through his leadership of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and as undergraduate program director. An acclaimed instructor and mentor, he has received 13 teaching awards and is known for his unusual and inspirational approach, one that requires students to leave their comfort zone, expands their knowledge and capabilities, and instils the confidence they need to make contributions.

He also created the Summer Internship Program in Regulatory Economics, providing generations of students with valuable professional experience and helping to build a thriving community of regulatory economists. He continues to serve the broader post-secondary community as chair of the Campus Alberta Quality Council.